Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro and Lime

Introduction

Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro and Lime is a Mexican street food classic that brings smoky, juicy grilled steak wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh, zesty garnishes. Carne asada literally means “grilled meat,” and it’s traditionally marinated in citrus juices, garlic, and spices before being cooked over high heat for that irresistible charred flavor.

These tacos are vibrant, fresh, and deeply flavorful. The grilled steak is thinly sliced, piled into tortillas, and topped with onions, cilantro, lime juice, and sometimes salsa or avocado. The result? A taco that’s simple yet loaded with flavor — a bite of sunshine in every mouthful.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it reminds me of authentic Mexican street food — bold, smoky, citrusy, and incredibly satisfying. The marinade does all the magic: lime and orange juice tenderize the meat, garlic adds depth, and spices give it a rich, earthy kick. When grilled, the steak becomes beautifully charred on the outside and juicy on the inside.

I also love how simple and customizable this recipe is. You don’t need heavy toppings — just cilantro, onions, and lime bring out the true essence of carne asada. It’s one of those dishes that feels festive yet easy enough to make on a weeknight.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Authentic Mexican flavor with a smoky, citrusy marinade.
• Quick to grill and assemble — perfect for gatherings.
• Fresh, light, and satisfying — no heavy sauces needed.
• Brings the vibrant spirit of street tacos straight to your kitchen.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time (including marinating): 20 minutes active, 2–4 hours marinating
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 35 minutes (including marinating)
• Servings: 6 servings (about 12 tacos)
• Calories per serving: ~350 kcal (varies with tortilla and toppings)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Mexican
• Course: Main Course, Dinner, Street Food

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada Marinade:

• 2 lbs (900 g) flank steak or skirt steak
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup orange juice (about 1 orange)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For Serving:

• 12 small corn tortillas (or flour if preferred)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup white onion, finely diced
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
• Avocado slices or guacamole (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Marinate the steak in citrus juice, garlic, and spices.
2. Grill or pan-sear until charred and cooked to preference.
3. Rest and slice steak into thin strips.
4. Warm tortillas and fill with carne asada.
5. Top with cilantro, onions, and lime.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

1. In a large bowl or resealable bag, mix olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
2. Add the steak, coat well, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (up to 8 hours).

Step 2: Grill the Steak

1. Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet to high heat.
2. Remove steak from marinade and shake off excess.
3. Grill 4–6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.

Step 3: Rest and Slice

1. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Slice thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

1. Heat tortillas in a skillet, on the grill, or over an open flame until warm and slightly charred.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

1. Place carne asada strips in tortillas.
2. Top with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
3. Add salsa or avocado if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve tacos hot with lime wedges on the side.
• Offer salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce for variety.
• Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled corn (elote).
• A cold drink like agua fresca, margarita, or Mexican beer pairs beautifully.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Always slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Don’t over-marinate — citrus can break down the meat if left too long.
• A cast-iron skillet is the next best option if you don’t have a grill.
• Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor (but flour tortillas work too).

Variations

• Chicken Asada Tacos: Use chicken thighs instead of steak.
• Pork Asada Tacos: Swap steak for thin pork shoulder slices.
• Loaded Carne Asada Tacos: Add cheese, sour cream, or pico de gallo.
• Carne Asada Burrito/Bowl: Wrap in a large tortilla or serve over rice instead of tacos.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked carne asada in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked and sliced steak for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of lime juice to keep it juicy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill (gas or charcoal) OR cast-iron skillet
• Mixing bowl or resealable bag for marinade
• Tongs for grilling
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro and Lime is a Mexican classic that delivers smoky, citrusy, and fresh flavors in every bite. The juicy grilled steak paired with warm tortillas, crisp onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

This recipe is festive yet easy, perfect for weeknight dinners, taco nights, or backyard cookouts. Once you try it, you’ll see why carne asada tacos are loved all over the world — they’re simply irresistible

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Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro and Lime

Author: admin Cuisine: Mexican Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 350 kcal

Description

Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro and Lime is a Mexican street food classic that brings smoky, juicy grilled steak wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh, zesty garnishes.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Carne Asada Marinade:

• 2 lbs (900 g)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup orange juice (about 1 orange)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For Serving:

• 12 small corn tortillas (or flour if preferred)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup white onion, finely diced
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
• Avocado slices or guacamole (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the Steak : In a large bowl or resealable bag, mix olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Add the steak, coat well, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (up to 8 hours).
2. Step 2: Grill the Steak : Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet to high heat. Remove steak from marinade and shake off excess. Grill 4–6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
3. Step 3: Rest and Slice : Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips.
4. Step 4: Warm the Tortillas : Heat tortillas in a skillet, on the grill, or over an open flame until warm and slightly charred.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Tacos : Place carne asada strips in tortillas. Top with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add salsa or avocado if desired.

Keywords: Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro and Lime